Bionic Commando: Rearmed, PSN Features: Revealed

What’s crackin’ PlayStation players? This is John D from Capcom and I’ve got some info to share. Bionic Commando Rearmed is just around the corner and Ben Judd, our resident producer/rock star, wants to reach out to all you Sony fans by giving you weekly updates on this highly anticipated title. Expect exclusive news, videos and artwork from now thru launch. Ben has some really exciting details regarding the PSN version of Bionic Commando Rearmed, so hopefully you all will recognize that Capcom is giving love to all the Sony gamers out there.

Here’s Ben’s first transmission:

Welcome to the first installment of our weekly Bionic Commando: Rearmed column. The folks here at the PlayStation.Blog have been kind enough to give us some space to strut our Bionic stuff. Don’t worry, I promise there will not be an excess of swinger jokes.

To kick off this edition, we’d like to mention some of the “PSN specific” content that you can expect for Rearmed. There will be Dualshock 3 support, because we all know that games that vibrate are better and besides… there really is no reason not to implement a feature that has become the industry standard. Also, Rearmed is one of the only PSN games to feature Remote Play support. This one wasn’t as easy to add and, matter of fact, there is one point where we had to “creatively” reprogram the controls to give players the illusion of using 2 sticks (you’ll know when you see it). The classic 2D side-scrolling graphics really fit with the PSP and just make the PSN version all the more cooler.

Of course there is one more VERY cool surprise for those of you who purchase the PSN version… but that is another story for another time.

So if Rearmed looks like it might be up your alley, come visit the “Top Secret” crew over at www.bioniccommando.com, where you can read the weekly serial comic, listen to one of the most ill-advised Japanese-publisher podcasts – Top Secret: The Bionic Commando Podcast, and, of course, listen to music from popular video game rockers, the BCR soundtrack, and the original 8-bit Bionic Commando music, all on the Bionic Commando Music Player.

In the meantime, check this space again in about a week for update number 2!

Ben

Haley

Haley is the FSA’s finest helicopter pilot, who transports Nathan “Rad” Spencer through dangerous Imperial territory. From a safe altitude, Spencer is then parachuted into enemy encampments.

Due to her unique piloting style and willingness to put both her chopper and her body on the line, Haley has been labeled as “reckless” and is considered a liability by some in the FSA Armed Forces. However, her many medals and commendations for exceptional behavior in combat situations speak for themselves. She holds the record for the quickest drop-offs and pick-ups in enemy territory in the history of the FSA and, despite her feminine looks, she is fond of claiming to have “more stones than any other pilot in the force”.

Something of a weapons nut, Haley is also a useful source of advice on the latest hardware and other items Spencer encounters in the field.

Medals

The FSA awards Medals to only the bravest soldiers for outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty. There are 12 medals to collect in total, with something to suit every type of soldier, from brawlers to thinkers.

Anyone can pick up a spare Vector Cannon and blast their way through an Imperial army. After all, you have a Bionic Arm – who’s likely to stop you?! But for the swinger who has skills as well as a soul, the Pacifist Pride medal will be awarded. The conditions for obtaining it are deceptively simple – simply clear any Area without firing your gun. Can you survive on swinging skill and some quick grenade tossing alone?

Weapons: Hagle Breaker

The 13-gauge “Hagle Breaker” Assault Shotgun is a short-range firearm with staggering power, but it is completely ineffective in long-range combat. Most useful against standard Imperial human enemies, the shotgun pellets are ineffective against the machines and shields used by the Imperial army. The Hagle Breaker’s most useful feature is the ability to use its immense recoil to kick-start a swing when your momentum is lost.
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John D. again. Cool update, huh? Anyway, Ben wanted to give you all this opportunity to ask him any questions you have about the game. Post your questions in the comments section below and he’ll answer most of them with his next update. Also, this is a big month for you PSN gamers as 1942: Joint Strike, the next installation of the classic 194X shooter series, finally arrives on the PLAYSTATION Network on July 31, 2008 July 24, 2008. Spread the word! See you soon!

A new game for the Ps store blablablablablablabla …. i cant buy it, where are the PSN cards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good question..I\’d be curious myself..Regardless the size, I\’ve read on some websites that they thought going the 8-bit route was easy to do, and a way to rush the title out…the exact opposite is true..trying to capture the old school and magical feel of the MM series, with all the 8-bit limitations, controls, music and graphics, was a very challenging task. A very bold concept and the right one, I believe.

I’m not the type to stoke some kind of flame war, and certainly not someone who feels the need to stand up for big companies, but wow… there are some excessively careful consumers posting here! A meta-emulated version of the NES game is worth $10.00; a remake with new bosses, challenge rooms, that multiplayer melee stuff, hacking mini-game, is worth a whole lot more. Trophy support would be great, but I hardly see how it could make or break your decision to get this game… at least try the demo. I think trophies would be nice, not essential, and ultimately not worth any further delays.

Anyways, this is the first time I’ve actually anticipated a new game in years, can’t wait for both titles. I really hope that BCR is a huge success, and it shows 2D games are worth producing, (the decision to make another brand new, 8 bit sequel for Mega Man is genius). Here’s hoping Capcom (and hopefully other developers) continue this.

Thanks for the support. In general consumers are a greedy bunch. They want everything, right now, for free but never realize how expensive game dev is. It really is risky and to make a game like this from the ground up for digital download is extremely risky.

You just don\’t see some of what goes into a game production when you are on the consumer side of the fence.

Believe me when I say, there is a very a good chance that we will not make a profit on the game. But heck, I love Bionic Commando and want younger gamers to enjoy it too so it was worth the risk.

psstt. Hey Ben… I’m following you *snicker*.
Hey I love the PS3 love your showing here. And don’t mind the trophy whores. Get your game out. Might I suggest an addon for 4.99 that adds new challenge rooms and trophy support? I know how bad you are at asking the fans for money, so I’ll try and help you out.

PS. Would love a mega man 9 or any of the Mega man X’s. Will buy SSF2, It’ll look good next to my Super Puzzle figher HD!

great news john!thanks for saying capcom will support the psp more actively.one thing i do wish to ask is for you to come back onto the PlayStation blog after capcom press event at e3 so we can vice our opinions on the news that are coming out from capcom.so what do you say will u be back next week after the press event?

Thanks for the comment on #162 John Diamonon. I really enjoy the benifit of actual game developers answering questions and voicing opinions on the blog. It actually means alot to some of us too know whats going on behind the scenes.

Anywho Ive got another question or too for you. When I was reading threw the comments did someone state 1942 will not have trophies, and they may add them if its not too much of a hassle or was that for BC:RA. Aswell as whats your favorite capcom game new and old.

Capcom is all about community. I encourage you to also join our community at Capcom-Unity.com. There, you\’ll be able to interact with our developers, marketers and even VP\’s! Capcom is more than happy to answer questions from the PS gamers!

And my favorite old school Capcom game? Wow, so many to choose from. I\’d have to say Strider for the Genesis. My new favorite games would be Street Fighter 4 and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.

thanks for the continued support for sony capcom, cant wait till u announce dead rising for ps3 though and devil may cry psp. its nice to see capcom people responding to fans like they know us. more respect to you guys. it doesnt matter if bionic commando, commando3, megaman, and 1942 will have trophy support on release but i’ll gladly pay for a trophy add-on.

thanks again john for answer me back looking forward to cing u back on the blog on the 23 o btw its erico lol o and thanks for being one of those developers that respond back to every1 some people that post on the blog should take a lesson from you lol

It seems im a man of many questions, or actually honestly I just like to know as much information about my current and future purchases as possible. Seeing the rise in gas and products its always good to spend money wisley.

Anyway im curious will 1942, take advantage of the players met function, Will it feature in-game soundtracks (doesnt realy matter), and how many players will it support via Playstation Network!

Also Im planning on purchasing BC, 1942, and Mega Man 9 when its released. Im still waiting on more information for Plunder (now know as “Age of Booty”.

Ohh yea I forgot to mention I found a pizza joint that had the Commando’s arcade machine, about amonth ago fell in love with it, so I purchased Commando’s 3. Let me say what a welcomed upgrade that was really an inspiring squel that sticked to the roots. I loved the Rambo wanabe!

I\’m really excited about Age of Booty. I don\’t usually play RTS games, but this is really a casual, pick up and play pirate-themed game. It\’s meant to be played as a multi-player, online game where you control a pirate ship and start plundering towns and other ships. It\’s a favorite around the office!

john i remember Strider i would love a remake or a part 2 for either the psn or psp as an exclusion what do you say.and yes i do own a xbox 360 but i don’t play with it much and i don’t buy downloadable game s on live cause the hard drive isn’t as big.to tell the truth i only got a 360 because when it came out nothing else was out and if the ps3 and 360 came out the same time i know i would not have gotten it.i know its sad lol but its the real reason many 360 owners got one.

Sorry another question about trophies, this one is for John Diamonon. In regards to comments #2 and #165, it seems that you can actually confirm that BCR will have trophy support. However your statements seems to contradict those of Ben Judd’s response in comment #3 (Unless I’m reading the statement wrong and trophies will be added, and just a question of will they be retrospective or not). I ask this because I’m running a BCR Information thread on the playstation forums and would like to know if this indeed a fact, that can be noted or maybe just a communication. I really don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up for nothing, as well as spread misinformation, thanks for your time :).

I can’t wait for the BCR to come out! I used to play the original on the NES over and over again. What a fabulous game! It was definately ahead of its time. I’ve been wanting a new Bionic Commando for many many years. I’m glad to see the day is finally coming.

I love these new remakes of classics. My favorite remake is probably MegaMan Powered Up on the PSP. I would love to see a MegaMan Powered Up 2. I’m hoping that the popularity of remakes like BCR and the upcoming release of MegaMan 9 will make that a reality.

This is a day one buy just to SUPPORT THE REMOTE PLAY feature. I’m really dissapointed that sony and third party haven’t done more in the way of game support. While we’re on remote play. STREAM MOVIES, really I’m pretty sure the feed to the psp is secure (I may be wrong but I don’t think so) and the quality is fine on movies on the hard drive. Silly not to give it the ability to stream dvds/bluerays to the psp. Downscale the video and send, you have the really cool but pretty expensive TV box thing (forgot what it was called), so you have the tech Sony.

ok now personally trophie support blah blah blah cool yes but whatever.I loved this game as a child and all i want to know is if we cant expect it in july like everyone is saying can you please just give me the month your aiming for.I even bought the remixes online i love this game so much PLEASE HELP GIVE ME A DATE ANYTHING PLEASE

I actually am playing all of the old Mega Man games from Capcom now actually. Gearing up for the release of Mega Man 9. Capcom has always been one of my favorite video game companies. Keep up the great work.